Families Received Keys to their New Homes on Oct. 6

Community leaders, habitat supporters and habitat partner

 families celebrated the special occasion together.

Renton, WA. October 12, 2012 – Habitat for Humanity of East King County hosted a Home Dedication Ceremony for six hardworking, low-income families on Saturday, October 6.

The air was filled with optimism and thoughtful appreciation as the crowd of nearly 100 community members gathered to rejoice in the celebration of dedicating six new homes to the Hassen-Abdu, Ali, Pascual, Idris-Ismael, Jama-Muse, and Ortiz families.

Phase 1, La Fortuna in Renton

Habitat EKC Executive Director, Tom Granger, led the program and thanked major funders and supporters of the development. Corporate sponsor representatives from Bank of America and PCL Construction Services, Inc. were in attendance, as well as City of Renton Councilmembers Marcie Palmer and Rich Zwicker.

Jawad Khaki, Imam for Ithna-Asheri Muslim Association of the Northwest, paid special tribute to World Habitat Day as he spoke to the crowd about Habitat’s impact on local community, interfaith coalitions, and their work internationally.



Imam Jawad Khaki speaking to crowd

“Habitat is an ecumenical Christian ministry that believes everyone deserves a decent, safe and affordable place to live,” said Granger. “That being said, we support families reach their dream of home ownership regardless of their race or religion and welcome volunteers and supporters of all backgrounds.”

The ceremony included Jewish, Muslim and Christian prayers. Imam Jawad Khaki, Rabbi Yohanna Kinberg of Temple B’nai Torah and Dave Sanford, Chair of Together We Build and Aldersgate United Methodist Church member, provided the blessings.

Each family gave thanks to Habitat and those who have helped make their dream of home ownership come true.

“I can’t even believe it, just to see how far we have come is amazing,” said Rafael, Habitat homeowner. His family of five was living in a run-down overcrowded, one-bedroom apartment where his children had to sleep on the floor, because they couldn't fit beds. “Now they will each have their own bedroom with their own bed, we are so thankful.”

A community potluck followed the ceremony, where guests feasted on delicious homemade dishes with recipes that originated from all over the world.

Click here to see more photos from the event.

For more information, contact Gena Guillen at gena@habitatekc.org.